Soft, chewy, sugar-coated orange candies made with real juice and simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh orange juice (about 4–5 oranges)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup corn syrup (or glucose syrup)
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 packets unflavored gelatin (about 4 tablespoons)
1/2 cup cold water
1 teaspoon orange zest (optional, for stronger flavor)
Orange food coloring (optional)
Extra sugar for coating
Instructions:
- Prepare gelatin
In a small bowl, pour the cold water over the gelatin. Let it bloom for 5–10 minutes until fully absorbed. - Cook the candy base
In a saucepan, combine orange juice, lemon juice, sugar, corn syrup, salt, and orange zest.
Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. - Simmer
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened. - Add gelatin
Remove from heat. Add the bloomed gelatin and stir until fully melted and smooth.
Add a few drops of orange food coloring if you want a brighter color. - Mold the candy
Pour the mixture into a lightly greased shallow pan or silicone molds.
Let it cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 3–4 hours until fully set. - Cut into slices
Once firm, remove from the mold and cut into small wedge or slice shapes. - Sugar coating
Roll each piece in granulated sugar until fully coated. - Drying
Place candies on parchment paper and let them air-dry for several hours or overnight for a chewier texture.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Tips:
– For firmer candy, use 3 packets gelatin instead of 2
– You can replace orange juice with lemon, grapefruit, or tangerine juice
– Add a few drops of orange extract for stronger flavor
– For shiny candies, coat lightly with sugar and cornstarch mixed
If you want, I can also give you:
✔ A version without corn syrup
✔ A vegan agar-agar version
✔ A chewy gummy version
✔ A professional candy-shop version